Merseyside’s leading newspaper interviewed Mr Soot on the city’s love of real fireplaces.

Our owner David talked to the Liverpool Echo as part of the paper’s ‘How It Used To Be’ nostalgia column.

In it, he recalls his own childhood memories of real fireplaces as well as his family history, which consists of generations of coal miners.

David, a former student at Liverpool Community College, said: “It’s fantastic to secure media coverage in the Echo.

“The article is very in-depth and not only talks about the history of sweeping in the city, but also how it has changed.

“I’m delighted the article highlights the fact that these days, as sweeps we do a lot more inspections. It’s moved away from simply just a cleaning job – especially in places such as Liverpool where there’s a real renaissance with open fires.

“Since launching our Liverpool office, demand for our services has been in constant demand. We now regularly inspect and test old fireplaces across the city, in particular in the Georgian Quarter, Woolton, Allerton and Mossley Hill.

“As we cover many different areas, we are able to easily spot trends. So, for instance, we get the same call for testing and inspecting services in Manchester, particularly in Chorlton, Didsbury and Withington. The desire to bring old open fires back into use is certainly more prevalent in cities.”

The article also talks about David’s involvement with Burnright, and how modern sweeps are at the forefront of improving air quality.

David believes raising the profile of sweeping in the media helps the industry as a whole. 

“It’s great to, once again, be celebrating significant media coverage. It comes hot on the heels of our national media coverage last year, which included a lengthy interview on breakfast television as well as articles in newspapers such as the Mail on Sunday and The. iPaper.

“That’s because, at Mr Soot, we understand the need for a proactive relationship with the media. Our press office is able to provide journalists with facts and comment on all things solid fuel-related, and media enquiries are going up significantly each year. We’re now widely seen as one of the go-to chimney sweeping companies in the country for media comment.

“We will continue to work hard as a company, alongside others, to help raise the profile of professional sweeping across the UK.”

The Liverpool Echo article can be viewed at https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/nostalgia/liverpool-trade-not-seen-day-26829653